Robin Kelly

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to lead tonight's Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour. For 60 minutes, we have the opportunity to speak directly to the American people. Before we get to business, I do want to take a moment to express my condolences and the prayers of the Congressional Black Caucus and this Congress to our allies in France after Friday night's attacks in Paris. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. No act of terror can shake the resolve of the French people to live free, and nothing will impede France's ability to live prosperously. I want the people of France to know that the American people and this Congress stand in solidarity with the people of France tonight. I say this with full faith and confidence that no act of terror will deter France or the United States from embracing the principles of liberty, equality, and brotherhood. Our hearts also go out to those who recently lost loved ones and friends in Beirut and Nigeria. Mr. Speaker, in this hour, the Congressional Black Caucus will have a conversation with America about the issue of race relations in this country. This isn't a new topic of discussion. To be honest, I really wish there were no need and no appetite remaining in America so as to have to address this topic. It is amazing that the same nation that saw pilgrims journey to our shores on the Mayflower and that the same nation that saw Founding Father Ben Franklin make groundbreaking discoveries in electric science is the same nation that was able to land a man on the Moon and harness the electromagnetic spectrum for our mobile devices. We still wrestle with the same problem that confronted Ben Franklin and the Founding Fathers so long ago: the issue of race relations in America. As President Obama so eloquently remarked, the answer to the slavery question was already embedded within our Constitution--a Constitution that had at its very core the ideal of equal citizenship under the law, a Constitution that promised its people liberty and justice and a union that could be and should be perfected over time. Yet these words were not enough to deliver slaves from bondage or to provide men and women of every color and creed with their full rights and obligations as citizens of the United States. It is this inherited sin that has guided a national history of challenging race relations in America, from slavery to the Three-Fifths Compromise, to a nation divided and broken over the issue of slavery, to poll taxes and literacy tests, to separate but equal, to Japanese internment, to anti-Semitism, to the Tuskegee experiment, to Brown v. The Board of Education, to the loving Confederate flags at State houses, to the Confederate statues in this Capitol, and to parishioners executed during a Charleston Bible study, executed in the hopes that it would spark a race war. It is the sad truth that, while race relations do not define us as a nation, ignoring and perverting these relations has left a painful blemish on our national record. Mr. Speaker, many times this year the Congressional Black Caucus has come before you in this hour to discuss the issue of Black voter suppression in America, the mass incarceration of African American males in America, the issue of Black Lives Matter, community fears over unfair and unequal treatment at the hands of bad apple law enforcement officers, and the economic concerns of communities of color. These concerns aren't made up. The impact and evidence of these concerns can be found everywhere for proof. Look at Amendments 13 through 15. Look at the issue of African Americans having higher rates of mortality than any other racial ethnic group for 8 of the top 10 causes of death. Look at the Black Lives Matter protests that we have had across the country. These concerns are our reality, and we must know these things to be true. We know more must be done to strengthen our national record on race. Tonight I want to use my time to discuss race relations in America, but I want to do so in a way that looks forward and not behind. I want to have a conversation about strengthening our national foundation and about healing the racial wounds of our past. In this conversation about race relations in America, I will highlight areas of need and opportunity that should be examined. Tonight's conversation should be a strong step toward progress. It is my true honor and pleasure to coanchor this hour with my distinguished colleague from New Jersey, a man who has committed his time in Congress to strengthening communities and bridging cultures. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey, the Honorable Donald Payne, Jr., my colleague.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Representative Lee, I like your analogy about ``if you are not at the table, bring your folding chair.'' I would like to say: ``If you are not at the table, your issues would be on the menu.'' But I like the folding chair analogy also. I think a good point that you bring up that people don't realize, when we talk about African American men in jail, incarcerated, people might think, well, if they are doing something wrong, they should be in jail. To use Ferguson as an example, while comprising two-thirds of Ferguson's population, African Americans represent 85 percent of vehicles stopped, 90 percent of citations, and 93 percent of arrests made by the Ferguson Police Department. But while African American drivers are twice as likely as White drivers to be searched on a vehicle stop, contraband was found on Black drivers 26 percent less frequently than White drivers. So these discrepancies, coupled with incidents of overly aggressive police tactics and a police force that is racially and ethnically underrepresented of the large Ferguson community, instill the culture of distrust and anonymity. So you can see why these things happen. I yield to the gentlewoman from California.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. I also think something that contributes to that, your ZIP Code shouldn't dictate the quality of your education, like it shouldn't dictate the quality of your health care. In too many places in this country, your ZIP Code does dictate the quality of your education and the schools that have every sport, every technology, and those kinds of things, and schools that barely have books. They are not going to be at the same level when they graduate from high school, if they even make it through high school; and that is part of it, too, just the STEM, as we talk about, or STEAM, just the type of education that students are getting because of the way in some cases the schools are funded or the concentration of poverty in the school system, in some school systems.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Right. In the leading causes of death, African Americans are number one in eight of them.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. We don't want to be number one in 8 out of 10.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Representatives, we have about 5 more minutes. I don't know if you have anything to add.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you, Representative Lee and Representative Payne. Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on this evening's topic, the issue of race relations in America, we want to talk about, just in closing, what can we do. We must do more, we must care more, and we must understand more about the diverse cultures that make up this Nation. A long time ago, as director of community affairs for the Village of Matteson, it has been 19 years now I have worked with a team hosting diversity dinners in our area to grow friendships and nurture relations among residents of the south suburbs of Chicago. Tonight as we discuss race relations in America, I want to reflect on what I see as the way to bridge the differences we experience in understanding in different communities. Earlier this year, I along with colleagues, Democrat and Republican, hosted the Second Annual Congressional Diversity Dinner. Forty Members of Congress--Black, White, Asian, and Hispanic from both parties, including both Republican and Democratic leadership--showed up and enjoyed a meal with their colleagues. During the dinner, we weren't Democrats or Republicans. We were colleagues with some great stories to share. At this year's dinner, I saw a microcosm of our Nation, a crowd made up of Members from coast to coast with truly diverse backgrounds coming together to enjoy each other's company. If we can put aside our racial and partisan blinders to break bread together, I am confident we can find ways to work together. That is what America wants and needs, and that type of leadership is the kind of leadership we deserve. Today we have the opportunity to celebrate diversity and show that America is only strengthened when we embrace the fact that we are a beautiful, I will say, pot of stew. There is much that communities can do to stanch out the rhetoric that divides us and find creative ways to bring people together. It was a small action, but that was what the diversity dinner sought to do. Now it is time for us to come together to address the reforms needed to rebuild trust between communities. Let's show the American people that we are a diverse people, we are proud of it, and we celebrate it. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, in our national conversation on health and health disparities, we often forget that men face some unique health and health access challenges. So I rise today on behalf of men around the world to recognize November as Men's Health Month and to raise awareness for men's health issues. Today American men face a mortality rate 41 percent higher than women. Life expectancy for men is 76 years compared to 81 for women. American men face a higher mortality rate than women for 8 of the 10 leading causes of death, including cancer, liver disease, and heart disease. Additionally, men are at increased risk of mental health problems and 4.1 times more likely to commit suicide than women. These are serious issues facing men around the world. Every November men around the world grow out their mustaches to raise awareness for these and other issues facing men. While I won't be able to join my colleagues in growing facial hair to raise awareness, I will be working behind the scenes to spread the word. In the meantime, I urge my colleagues to become educated about men's health and to stay healthy.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and privilege to lead tonight's Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour, where we will have the opportunity to speak directly to the American people. But before we get to business, I do want to take a second, even though it feels like an eternity, to congratulate my dear friend and colleague, our CBC chairman for the 112th Congress, the Honorable Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, for his hometown Kansas City Royals victory in last night's World Series game. I am an Illinoisan by way of New York. So I had a little stake in this one. But, again, my congratulations to the city of Kansas City and to Congressman Cleaver. Mr. Speaker, I truly do believe that it is an honor and a privilege to host the Congressional Black Caucus Special Order hour. So I speak to you this evening very much concerned and severely disappointed that we are even having tonight's topic under such circumstances. Tonight we are here to address saving our communities, where our focus for this hour will be on key legislative priorities that this Congress, this year's Congressional Black Caucus, and our Nation must confront in order to help make this union more perfect for our next generation. Mr. Speaker, this year there have been a lot of tragic episodes that may make one shake their head and ask what is going on. We have covered a number of these topics in the course of this year, whether it be the issue of criminal justice reform, gun violence, economic investment as a antidote to violence, community policing, or the value of Black lives in America. Mr. Speaker, the issues that I will cover this evening aren't Black Caucus issues. I know that most in this Congress and most across this great country would acknowledge that they are American issues. Falling short as a Nation on these fronts only divides us and only serves as a barrier to our boundless possibilities as an American people. Over the past few weeks, we heard a lot about the need to clean out the barn before the baton was passed from Speaker to Speaker. I think we made some progress in clearing out the barn last week as we passed a bipartisan budget agreement, which President Obama signed into law earlier today. But, Mr. Speaker, as the baton has been passed from Speaker Boehner to Speaker Ryan, we must keep in mind that there is still much that needs to be cleaned out of the barn when it comes to criminal justice reform, creating opportunity in vulnerable communities, addressing inequities in the justice system, valuing all lives, regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation, making sure that good cops can do their job in keeping communities safe, and making sure that bad cops don't get to be the Nation's norm. We must have a culture where bad cops don't have a safe haven, where they can't get away with violations of the public trust in communities they were sworn to protect, and where they aren't in a position to spoil the whole bunch of good cops we have protecting American communities. Mr. Speaker, tonight we will have a long and overdue conversation about saving our communities. At this time, I yield to the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, my colleague from North Carolina, Representative G.K. Butterfield.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you, my colleague from North Carolina, for your outstanding remarks on this topic of saving our community. I really, really appreciate it, and so do the American people. At this time, I would like to introduce my other colleague, Representative Bobby Scott from the great State of Virginia.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you so much for your important remarks. I know this topic is one that you have been researching and studying, trying to come up with solutions for a long time. One thing that is a little disconcerting is you say that the SAFE Justice Act is widely supported, but it still doesn't move.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Is there any particular State that you think does a better job that we can hold up as a role model?

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. That is fantastic. I know in my district, we have held some roundtables, and some of my employers, manufacturers, they shared that they did hire people who were in prison and were some of their best employees because they are so grateful that someone gave them a chance. We really need to promote that and highlight those things.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. That is a good idea we have now in Illinois. Thank you, Representative. I really appreciate you taking the time and sharing your vast knowledge about this topic. Mr. Speaker, many of the families that we represent believe that the only and right way to save our communities and secure our better future is to enact laws that actually understand the needs of American families, regardless of circumstance, and invest in their future. This Congress must have a frank conversation about what those investments are and vote for policies that will truly save our communities. And this conversation has to be a bipartisan conversation, not just a Congressional Black Caucus or Democratic conversation. Mr. Speaker, I am reminded that today our colleague, the Honorable Donald Payne, Jr., of New Jersey could not be here because he was asked to be with the President. President Obama visited Congressman Payne's district to discuss criminal justice reform, as you heard a little bit about already. As many of you know, earlier today, President Obama spoke of his intent to make significant reforms in the criminal justice space; and in keeping with the message of ``saving our communities,'' the reforms the President is championing are necessary. I thank the President for his efforts. I want to take just a moment to say that I appreciate the fact that over on the other side of the Hill, a bipartisan coalition of Senators, led by my Congressional Black Caucus colleague, Senator Cory Booker, as well as my home State Senator, the Honorable Dick Durbin, and men willing to cross the aisle, like Senator Mike Lee of Utah, were able to come together to introduce comprehensive legislation aimed at recalibrating prison sentences for certain drug offenders, targeting violent criminals, and granting judges greater discretion at sentencing for low-level drug crimes. Their sentencing reform legislation helps to curve recidivism by helping prisoners successfully reenter society. These are just small components of an overall strategy to help save communities, but they are critical ones nonetheless. Here are the facts. More than half a million people leave U.S. prisons each year with jobs, housing, and mental health services scarce. Many are soon to be back behind bars. Like the President said, many of us in the Congressional Black Caucus are calling on community stakeholders to break the cycle of incarceration by helping former inmates successfully reenter society. So tonight's Special Order hour is an opportunity that comes on the heels of the President's New Jersey visit, a visit where he toured a drug treatment center called the Integrity House, and recognized its work in helping former inmates secure housing, jobs, and skills needed to transition to life outside of prison. I have a place like that in Illinois called the Safer Foundation that does much of the same work. As the President noted, everyone has a role to play in criminal justice reform and reintegrating those who have served time in prison back into society. From businesses that are hiring ex-offenders to philanthropies that are supporting education and training programs, we have to get to work getting ex-offenders back on their feet so they can help build up their communities. Mr. Speaker, this Congress has to have the astuteness and manpower in its ranks to recognize that we must do more, that it will take a village, and it takes real leadership to improve the plight of America's communities. This means we need jobs legislation that offers opportunity. This means we need safe streets free of violence. This means we need community policing that brings us peace of mind and comfort. I feel compelled in this conversation about communities to say that, as a representative of the Chicagoland area and as a co-chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Congress must get over its fear of talking about violence in America. We have to do more than hold moments of silence when tragedies occur. We have to stop being silent and start acting. We don't have to be enemies on this subject. The issues of gun violence and police violence in our communities are real. It is how we respond to the problems that exist in these areas that will show our strength as a country. Right now, the tragic occurrences that exist with respect to these issues only serve as barriers to our growth as a nation. When I talk about gun violence, I always start out by reminding folks of a few things. First, it is important to realize that gun violence isn't just an urban problem; it is an American problem. In the last 50 years, more than 1 million people have been killed by guns in America. Since 1968, more Americans have died from gunfire than died in all the wars of this country's history. A young Black man is nearly 5 times more likely to be killed by a gun than a young White man, and 13 times more than an Asian American man. If a Black person is killed by a gun, it is judged a homicide 82 percent of the time. And keep in mind, from metal detectors in buildings to shooting safety drills at schools and movie theaters, gun violence has affected all of our communities, not only in terms of how we live, but whether we live at all. And the irony is that, even with all this death and tragedy, this Congress can't even put a background check bill on the House floor, even with an NRA membership that is in 80 percent agreement that we need expanded background checks. Last Congress, even with about 190 cosponsors, the bill never came to the floor. When I talk about saving our communities and discussing the actions of the police, I often remind people of this: the police are not our enemy. I won't ever say that because that simply is not the case. To make our communities safer, we need the support of families, leaders, and our local law enforcement. I come from a family of law enforcement officers and know that our police ranks are filled with brave, well-intentioned, civic-minded heroes. Sadly, too many in the Black community don't have the same family experience that I have had with law enforcement and fear the police. I have a 31-year-old son, and even though the same police are in his family, he hasn't had the same experiences. And, unfortunately, there are still too many police officers who harbor a level of fear when it comes to dealing with the Black community. Mr. Speaker, we have discussed the aftermath of a few high-profile police events. I will repeat what I often say: we must hold our law enforcement officials to the highest professional standards and provide them with the training they need to effectively police diverse communities. This training must address the biases and stereotypes that influence decisions in the field and that create obstacles to mutual understanding. In working to achieve that understanding, we can strive toward a justice system that treats all Americans fairly and values all American lives equally. Before I end, I just want to give my colleague the opportunity to share a few more words.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you. I thank my colleagues for lending their voices for this important conversation about saving our communities, and I will be submitting some other work from other colleagues not here tonight. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I recently hosted my third annual hiring event where 500 applicants connected with more than 70 employers looking to fill positions. I was delighted to see Ramona Young and Sommatra Jackson at the event, two women hired at my first event in 2013. They were back this year representing the company that hired them. Their success continues to motivate me. For every Ramona and Sommatra, there are hundreds of Americans looking for good-paying jobs that allow them to build toward a future. So today I rise on behalf of those American workers still looking for good-paying jobs. We all know the statistics. Our economy is growing. After 67 months of consecutive job growth, our unemployment rate stands at 5.1 percent for the first time since 2008, but the fact is there are nearly 8 million Americans still searching. The people I met at my hiring event were talented, skilled, and driven. They are hungry for an opportunity to work, to put their skills to good use, and to provide for their families. I urge my colleagues to join me in creating an economy that works for everyone.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I am tired. I am tired of, once again, being asked to rise to honor the victims of gun violence. Not even a month ago, I stood at this very podium on behalf of gun violence victims. With nearly 300 mass shootings in less than 300 days, this Congress has proven that there is no appetite to end gun violence. I am tired because we will have more moments of silence in honor of gun victims, and then we will have moments of action from leaders working to stop gun violence. To my colleagues who came here on the platform of caring about children, to my colleagues who came here for peace, to my friends on the left and right of the aisle, can't we own up to our responsibility to stop this violence? Can't we own the fact that we are losing a generation of Americans to gun violence? Every year, over 100,000 people are shot in America, more than 30,000 of them fatally. This is a crisis that demands more than a moment of silence from Congress. With every mass shooting, we hear every excuse in the book for inaction: it is a family problem; it is a mental health issue; it is a people problem. Apparently, it is everything but a gun problem. At this point, even our excuses are tired. Let me share some headlines from my hometown this week: From Sunday's Chicago Tribune, ``Man Killed, 4 Injured in Shootings''; Monday, CBS Chicago, ``One Dead, 11 Wounded in Weekend Shootings Across Chicago''; Tuesday, Chicago Sun Times, ``Man and Woman Shot Near Douglas Park on West Side''; Wednesday, Chicago Tribune, ``One Dead, Eight Wounded in Shootings in Chicago.'' These aren't just headlines. They are deferred dreams and altered realities for countless families. This isn't a Chicago problem, a Newtown problem, or an Oregon problem; it is an American problem. Today, gun deaths are on pace to be the leading cause of death for Americans aged 15 through 24, not because our kids are leaving the home front for war, but because the home front is becoming a war zone. It is because military-style weapons are flooding our streets. It is because Hadiya Pendleton was in the wrong place at the wrong time, even though she had the right to be in the park. It is because Reverend Pinckney held Bible study, and a journalist and cameraman in Virginia woke up and did their job. It is because a couple of teens wanted to see an Amy Schumer movie. We have had no votes on legislation to stop this. Mr. Speaker, for all the talk about needing to improve our mental health system, we have yet to take a single vote on a comprehensive mental health bill. I have had multiple bills that will reduce gun violence; but the simplest one, H.R. 224, will require the Surgeon General to submit to Congress a report on the public health impact of gun violence. Simple, right? After all, we can't have a conversation about gun violence without data on the death and disability it causes, its mental health effects, its community impact, and its economic costs. Mr. Speaker, this Congress has no appetite for conversations about gun violence. After all, there are A ratings to protect. The American people are tired, tired of their representatives paying lipservice to tragedies they were elected to help prevent. They are tired of their peace of mind being held hostage by those we should be preventing from ever getting their hands on a gun in the first place. I am calling everyone out here today. You have talked the talk; it is time to walk the walk. You say that you want to save lives, then do it. Where is the background check legislation that 90 percent of Americans support, including NRA members? Bring my bill, H.R. 224, up for a vote, and let the Surgeon General see if gun violence is a threat to public health, which I know it is. Show that you care. Stop pivoting. Stop punting. Start leading.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, time and time again, I have come to this floor to urge my colleagues to stand with me against the rampant plague of gun violence spreading across our Nation, and I stand here again heartbroken. I recently had the difficult and tragic duty of speaking at Tamara Sword's funeral. Tamara was the mother of five and the daughter of Chicago gun violence prevention advocate Andrew Holmes, a personal hero of mine. Andrew is a man who has dedicated his life to preventing gun violence and supporting families of gun violence victims. For decades, he has traveled to hundreds of crime scenes to console those who lost friends and family members. In a cruel twist of fate, he was the one who needed consoling when Tamara was caught in the crossfire while at a gas station. I wish Tamara's story was an exception, but we know it is not. It is a tragic reminder that only in America does an everyday trip to the gas station, the movie theater, or church end in gun violence or maybe you are a reporter and a photographer just doing your job or a sheriff filling your car with gas. All across America, gun violence is surging. More than 30 cities are reeling from a summer of senseless shootings, with death tolls reaching historic levels. In Chicago last week, we marked the highest number of gun homicides in a single day in more than a decade. After each mass shooting, Congress launches into its ritual that is used as an end run around real reform. We give our speeches; we hold our moments of silence, and then we wait for the national buzz to fade. My colleagues seem to forget that our actions may fade, but the violence remains. Violence--gun violence--is a major public health problem in the United States. Every moment that we don't act, we risk losing even more lives to senseless gun violence, which might be homicides, suicides, or accidents. Last week, I hosted a dinner for a group of parents who lost their children to senseless gun violence. They think we simply do not care. They wonder. There has been Newtown; there is Hadiya Pendleton; there is the church shooting, movie theaters, the mall, but still, we do nothing. Today, I rise again on behalf of victims of gun violence. I rise to say that we can no longer dismiss the mass shootings as isolated incidents and ignore everyday shootings altogether because the fact is, when our Nation is averaging one mass shooting a day, they aren't so isolated. When shootings are so commonplace that they are called everyday shootings, they cannot be ignored. Over the Labor Day weekend, 9 people were killed and 34 were wounded by gun violence in Chicago. It is time that we own up to the gun violence problem that is gripping our Nation and robbing us of a generation of young people one shooting at a time. This year, for the first time in history, gun deaths are on pace to be the leading cause of death of Americans aged 15 through 24, and the suicide rate is climbing, also. The future of our Nation is hanging in the balance here. It is time for Congress to act. There are a number of gun violence reform bills that truly make sense and that are truly bipartisan. I urge my colleagues to stand with the American people and to take action, because the American people are on the side of gun violence reform that makes sense. The other thing you can do is to try attending a funeral of an innocent person--of a mom of five kids, who cling onto her coffin, or of a young teen who lost his life to senseless gun violence. I wonder how you would feel then.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, as students enjoy summer break, we need to ensure that our kids remain intellectually engaged. Today we hear so much about our youth being glued to their screens, their tablets, and their gaming apps. It has caused concerns among parents who worry that their kids will remain idle without mental exercise during the summer months. I know that our kids can be just as enthusiastic about reading as they are about Minecraft. Last year, I started Robin's Readers, a literacy challenge for students in my district. I was blown away by the response. More than 3,000 kids participated and read over 20,000 books in a 10-week period. This past April, I hosted an awards event for these kids and saw firsthand their passion for reading. Chicago's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, has also started Rahm's Readers, which will ensure that the love for reading continues to burn strong over the summer months. I urge my colleagues, especially my Illinois colleagues, to work with me to promote literacy. I call on you to start your own reading programs. Together, we can instill a lifelong love of reading in our children.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Thank you, Congressman Payne, for those words. Right now, it is my pleasure to introduce the Congressman from North Carolina and the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Butterfield.

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, we are here tonight to have an important conversation, a conversation that is long overdue, a conversation that is crucial to healing America's deep racial wounds, our topic being the Confederate battle flag and why racial symbols matter. The Charleston 9 killings focused many of our attention on the significant appropriateness and bigoted history of this flag. In 2015, why do so many still revere a flag that tolerated the shackling of people because of their skin, a flag that allowed human beings to be counted as three-fifths of a person, a flag that was flown during lynchings, the holding of children, and one that symbolized a movement to deny education and equal treatment under our laws? Fifty years since Selma, we think of the Freedom Riders, marchers, boycotters, protesters, and policymakers who pointed our Nation in a more positive direction. They knew it was time to reject the traditions of the past. The civil rights movement symbolized the quest of equality and a change in mood for America. Thousands from all backgrounds had the courage to join in peaceful protests, lunch counter sit-ins, and boycotts at the expense of being jailed, beaten, or killed. They did this for one Nation and one flag. And in the way of these Americans stood those who believed in the perseverance of inequality, who believed in an America of White and colored, an America of two flags, and the Confederate battle flag represented their America. Jim Crow America saw States that seceded from the Union, reacting to the growth of the civil rights movement, with the use of the Confederate battle flag as the representation of their resistant movement. In 1956, the State of Georgia incorporated the battle flag into its official State flag design. The movement continued into the sixties, where it met renewed and intensified opposition, opposition that waved the Confederate battle flag in the name of continued racial oppression. In 1961, just 2 months after the sentencing of nine students arrested for a lunch counter sit-in in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the Confederate battle flag was raised over South Carolina's State house during a centennial celebration of the Civil War's opening. That same year, in neighboring Georgia, Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes were the first two African American students to be admitted to the University of Georgia. Their admission only came after a court order sent from Federal court. Eleven days after arriving on campus, Hunter and Holmes were attacked by a mob of White rioters who threw rocks and bottles at them while waving the rebel flag. The attacks were so fierce that the dean of students suspended both Hunter and Holmes for their own safety. Now, even with me highlighting this violence, we are told that the stars and bars are about heritage. That heritage, Mr. Speaker, is not so subtle a reminder to African Americans that they are less than-- maybe not three-fifths of a person, but still not equal. This is a reminder that there are two classes of citizens. And despite our Declaration of Independence clearly stating that all men are created equal, this is a reminder that there is a lesser class and will never be equal. But why are we honoring the heritage and flag of the hooded night riders of the Klan at our State houses and in this Congress instead of the flag of the Freedom Riders who died for a single, fair, and equal America? Two years after Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his ``I have dream'' speech before 600 civil rights marchers, including our friend and colleague from Georgia, Congressman John Lewis, a different group of civil rights heroes were greeted by police officers in Selma, Alabama, proudly displaying the Confederate flag on the side of their helmets. These officers brutally beat the marchers, and their actions were a reminder that Dr. King's speech had not yet resonated in the hearts of those who needed to hear it most. But it was the undeterred resilience of the protesters who refused to back down and refused to resort to violence that persevered. It was the love, the respect, and the mutual understanding that displayed what was the strongest symbol of strength, honor, and heritage than the Confederate battle flag. Mr. Speaker, we have come a long way since 1965, but we still have a ways to go. We must move forward. The needed progress, however, will not come if the Federal Government continues to provide American citizens with reminders of our hateful and oppressive past in a manner that legitimizes such hate. I am glad to host this important Special Order hour with my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Payne) to talk about where we go from here and why we continue to give energy to symbols of hate and division. I yield to the kind gentleman from Newark, New Jersey (Mr. Payne).

Ms. KELLY of Illinois

Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.